Providing perspective on the economics and politics of sports business in Florida...and the Rays' campaign for a new stadium in Tampa Bay.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Maybe a Stadium Wouldn't Cost $600M?

There hasn't been a comprehensive stadium study in Tampa since the ABC Coalition estimated in 2009 that a retractable-roof facilitiy would cost between $500 million and $600 million. And while the Rays haven't indicated anything less than a "state-of-the-art" facility would suffice, one thing has changed in the last four years that could affect a new stadium's pricetag: interest rates.

Depending on the product, interest rates have fallen approximately two percentage points in the last five years, meaning it would be cheaper to finance a stadium.